Cricket Report

Nantwich .v. Audlem ( Saturday August 19 )

After the previous week's dramatic conclusion in the potential title deciding game at Cheadle this Saturday's fare against an inexperienced Nantwich X1 was a very one sided affair.

The game was played in blustery conditions on the wide open spaces at Weston. Audlem lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a wicket that looked to favour the bowlers.

With the large outfield sporting plenty of growth the batsmen knew they were going to have to work hard for their runs.

Richard Wilson was the star performer on the day as he held the innings together in the early and mid stages with an elegant 52 well supported by Andy Rothwell & Irfan Shaik who both contributed 18. Captain, Chris Shenton (16) , Dave Parkinson (14) & Simon Swift (15 not out) ensured the team batted out their full allocation of overs to reach a respectable 177 at the conclusion of the innings.

Nantwich's reply never really got off the ground with Abhijith Jayan (8 0vers 5 for 22) & Simon Swift (4 overs 2 for 7) making sure that maximum points were gathered as the hosts quickly subsided to 48 all out in only the 17th over.

The news filtered through after the game that Cheadle had lost their game to Audley which gave Audlem a 31 point lead at the top of the table with just 4 games left to play.

With promotion almost now assured and the bookie's favourites for the title Audlem return to home comforts next Saturday when they entertain mid table Newcastle & Hartsill at The Gorse Croft.

The following week they travel to back markers' Sandbach with the final two games against Wood Lane and Woore.

John Wainwright
Audlem Cricket Club